FILE IMAGE
On September 1, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) announced that 3 Philippine soldiers were killed and 52 others were injured during an advance on the remaining ISIS positions in Marawi city. The AFP spokesman Brigadier General Restituto Padilla described the battle as “the toughest fighting yet” in Marawi city.
“We are working to clear the remaining areas where the enemy is holding out … Following a short pause early today, to give due respect to the solemnity and significance of this day- referring to the Muslim Eid al-Adha -, the operations will continue without any let up,” Padilla said.
The ISIS-linked news agency Amaq claimed that 15 Philippine soldiers were killed by ISIS fighters in Marinaut district in Marawi city on August 31.
Amaq also claimed that ISIS fighters killed 7 fighters from Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in Shariff Saydona district of Maguindanao province.
ISIS supposed attacks in Maguindanao province have not been confirmed yet. However, if it’s true it may mean that the Philippines still have a long way to go before eliminating ISIS on its territories.
So far the AFP has killed over 620 ISIS fighters in Marawi battle, while 136 Philippine soldiers and 45 civilians have lost their life during the clashes.
Hmm, 45 dead civilians … now that seems to be a very credible number. The most clean fighting ever seen. The russins can learn a lot from Phlilipine army i guess.
ISIS dies b y the hundrets, somephlipine soldiers died, and no civilian losses. What more can a sf-reader ask fo? :)